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Gang,

WOW. So I'm tired. Still cranking out the Psych paper. But here's the update from Santa Maria.

1. We spent about 55 hours on a bus. Surprisingly, less than last week. Yet we were only on a bus twice. As opposed to 6 times. My butt hurts.
2. We were in one of the "coldest places in Brazil" I think it might have gotten to about 60 at night.........@West Point, any comments?
3. Gauchos are like the Cowboys around here but are a little less culturally different than in the US. A lot more chill. And they drink herbal tea called Chimmarão out of these great big cups with spoon straws. It's hard to explain. They're kind of like a cross between hipsters and cowboys except pretend you don't hate hipsters. Like that.
4. All you can eat Barbeques (Churrascaria) is not a deal, nor is it a challenge. You will not "win". They don't care that you only paid R$22.50 (like $14 bucks US) you're gonna get fed until you cry. And then they'll ask if you want to take anything for the road. And then they'll ask if you want dessert (sobremesas). And then they'll ask if you want a road beer (Saideira). And then they'll ask if you're sure you don't want anymore. It's as if the deepest innermost ring of hell had a restaurant. And that's where you are. Except the food is amazing. And cheap.
5. We (just realized this one's unrelated.......too late) got invited to the Marine Corps Ball here in Rio de Janeiro. Marine Corps Balls celebrate the birthday of the United States Marine Corps and from what I have heard are generally very fun experiences. Leggo!

Wow, way more tired than I thought. Hate to be a downer but I'm off to bed.

Portuguese for the day is cansado which means tired. As in "eu estou cansado" (I'm tired)

Tchau and such.